Quick Facts About Fire-Induced Circuit
Faults

Fire-induced circuit faults are unintended starting, stopping, or erratic
operation of plant equipment that occur as a result of fire damage of cables
or other plant equipment.

Fire-induced circuit faults occurred during the Browns Ferry
fire and have also been confirmed to occur through testing by industry and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

NRC regulations require that licensees protect plant equipment
from fire-induced circuit faults that could affect equipment important
to safety.

This protection may include fire barriers, fire detection and suppression
systems, and spatial separation with no intervening combustibles for the equipment that is relied upon to make safe shutdown possible.

Licensees
that cannot meet the requirements at their plants, but can demonstrate
that they can ensure they are safe enough, may apply to the NRC for
permission to deviate from regulatory requirements.